AMR Gamal could well be the trump card for Bidvest Wits in their quest for Telkom Knockout glory.
His form of late suggests he may be the man for the occasion when the Students face Kaizer Chiefs in the Knockout semifinal tomorrow (3.30pm).
Following a slow start to the season, which has mirrored that of Wits, Gamal has shaken off the cobwebs and has now started to fire.
The Egyptian has banged in three cup goals, including the one which knocked out Baroka FC in the quarterfinals. He fits the profile of a Gavin Hunt frontman and seems to have an immense desire to deliver.
Tall and physically imposing, Gamal also appears more than content to operate as a main centre-forward and get the goals.
“We’ve been playing well in the tournament and that helps me score goals,” said Gamal.
“That’s not important for me personally, but for the team to win games. We need this Knockout cup. I know Chiefs are a big team with a lot of fans and good players. It will be a tough, hard game. But both teams can’t win.
“Our performances make me believe we can win.”
Hunt also likes what he sees in his new acquisition. “I’m getting much more out of him now than before. I hope he is our trump card,” said the Wits coach.
Gamal, who played for Egypt in their 1-1 World Cup qualifier draw with Ghana on Sunday, says his confidence has grown with every goal.
But he faces a team in equally good form in Chiefs, who look to have turned the corner.
They thumped AmaZulu 3-0 in the first round, then edged Chippa United 1-0 – but now face a sterner test.
Amakhosi coach Steve Komphela is cautiously optimistic heading into arguably his big Knockout test, recognising the fact he hasn’t delivered yet.
“It’s going to be a hell of a match!” Komphela said of the game.
“Gavin Hunt is not in a good space but that does not take anything away from his players or his quality as a coach. We will go there acknowledging their strengths, but also looking to exploit their weaknesses.
“We are banking on the fact that our youngsters have been doing well, winning matches for us.”
